Strength and Courage, Part 7

"The Lord said to him, 'Peace to you, do not fear; you shall not die.'"   Judges 6:23 (NAS)

Gideon was afraid he would die from coming face to face with the angel of the Lord, but he was assured otherwise, because God had a mission to give him.  When God sends you on a mission, move forward fearlessly.

"And about the time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, 'Do not be afraid, for you have given birth to a son.'  But she did not answer or pay attention."  1 Samuel 4:20 (NAS)

Baby Ichabod was born the same day his parents and grandfather died and his nation was defeated in battle.  His mother gave him a name meaning "inglorious" in her last moments.  I don't know, but I hope he made a positive difference in the world as he grew up and came to understand his family history.  Don't fear the future, change it for the better, no matter your past.

"Samuel said to the people, 'Do not fear, you have committed all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.'"  1 Samuel 12:20 (NAS)

God's people had refused His perfect will for them, that they would be the nation to prove Him to the world by having Him as their only King.  They insisted, however, on having a man on a throne because all the other countries were doing it, and God graciously continued to take care of them even though they ruined their chance to be extraordinary.

"Stay with me; do not be afraid, for he who seeks my life seeks your life, for you are safe with me."  1 Samuel 22:23 (NAS)

David sheltered Abiathar, an escapee from King Saul's slaughter of the priests.  Trust God to provide you with protection.

"Thus he said to him, 'Do not be afraid, because the hand of Saul my father will not find you, and you will be king over Israel and I will be next to you; and Saul my father knows that also.'"  1 Samuel 23:17 (NAS)

God had chosen David to take the kingship from Saul.  Saul apparently thought he could outwit God by killing David, but Saul's own son--the prince---in faith, offered encouragement to David.  Remember who won?  Remember who won!